The Knicks Wall is the premier spot for Knicks news, opinion and multimedia

Menu

Point Guard Madness!

As reported by multiple sources, it appears Raymond Felton is close to joining the Knicks. The Knicks’ only remaining trade chip is Dan Gadzuric’s non-guaranteed deal, which would allow them to send out his $1,352,181 contract and receive up to $2,128,271. Since Felton will likely demand a bit more than the veteran’s minimum, it’s likely the Knicks will pursue a sign-and-trade with the Blazers to get him. In such a sign-and-trade, Felton could make up to $2,128,271, which could prove to be a steal if he shows up in shape and ready to work, or a mistake if regresses even more so than last season.

At first glance, it might seems foolish for the Knicks to add yet another point guard to their roster, since they already have so many, but right now, the only official point guard on the Knicks is Jason Kidd. Pablo Prigioni’s agent has said that Prigioni will accept the offer the Knicks put in front of him, but New York has yet to officially announce the acquisition.

As you all know, Jeremy Lin inked an offer-sheet with the Houston Rockets, which is set to pay him $25.1 million over three-years. The $14.9 million “poison pill” in the third year, inserted into the contract by Morey to force Dolan to pay an exorbitant amount in luxury tax in 2015, might actually cause the Knicks to think before instantly re-signing Lin. Of course, with just Kidd on the roster, it’s a no-brainer, but if the Knicks add Felton, Prigioni and Kidd, Lin at ~$40 million – his contract plus luxury tax – starts to seem a bit high.

Another thing the Knicks could be planning is to run a two point guard set until Iman Shumpert returns. In 2010, Felton excelled on the court with Amare Stoudemire, so if Woodson is willing to move Stoudemire to the second unit, he might play Raymond Felton alongside Stoudemire, in hopes of relinquishing the 2010 form, while leaving Kidd and Lin to play together with Melo. The Knicks would be effectively creating two starting lineups, revolving around their two stars.

I still think Lin will be retained, but the Knicks have a lot going on. By no means would I be shocked seeing Felton in New York, but I also do not think that immediately means the end of Linsanity in New York. The Knicks have the potential for four point guards on the roster, but they have just one shooting guard. There are a much of possibilities as to how this could end.